Two teachers who died trying to save their pupils during the latest American gun massacre have been named, and tributes have been paid to some of the 19 children who have so far been identified.
US President Joe Biden has called for new restrictions on firearms in America after an 18-year-old gunman went on the rampage at a Texas elementary school.
In an emotional address to his nation from the White House, Mr Biden pleaded for action to curb gun violence after years of failure - and blamed firearms manufacturers and their supporters for blocking legislation in Washington. You can get more world news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Read more : 13-year-old boy dies after going for swim with other children in Swansea river
The shootings at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, 85 miles west of San Antonio, are America's deadliest school massacre since 20 children and six adults died at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, in late 2012. The gunman - identified by officials as Salvador Ramos, who lived in the community - was killed by law enforcement responding to the massacre. Texas governor Greg Abbott said one of the two adults killed by the gunman was a teacher.
Hours after the attack, families were still awaiting word on their children. Outside the town civic centre, where families were told to await news about their loved ones, the silence was broken repeatedly by screams and wailing. Here are tributes to some of the victims who have been identified so far:
Uziyah Garcia
The eight-year-old was one of the first to be named with a moving tribute from his grandfather, Manny Renfro, who described him as the "sweetest little boy that I've ever known".
He said: "I am not just saying that because he was my grandkid". He added that Uziyah visited him in San Angelo during spring break. "We started throwing the football together and I was teaching him pass patterns. Such a fast little boy and he could catch a ball so good," Mr Renfro said. "There were certain plays that I would call that he would remember and he would do it exactly like we practiced."
Xavier Lopez
The 10-year-old had been an at awards ceremony with his mum just hours before the shooting. His cousin Lisa Garza, 52, of Arlington, Texas, said he had been looking forward to a summer of swimming. She said: "He was just a loving 10-year-old little boy, just enjoying life, not knowing that this tragedy was going to happen today. He was very bubbly, loved to dance with his brothers, his mom."
Amerie Jo Garza
The eight-year-old's father urged others not to "take a second for granted" as he paid tribute to his "baby".
Angel Garza wrote: "Thank you everyone for the prayers and help trying to find my baby. She's been found. My little love is now flying high with the angels above. Please don't take a second for granted. Hug your family. Tell them you love them. I love you Amerie Jo. Watch over your baby brother for me."
Makenna Elrod
The 10-year-old's parents feared she might not have survived the massacre and a family friend confirmed late last night that she’d died. Her dad, Brandon Elrod, told KTRK he was "on the way to the funeral home because we can’t find my daughter. It’s pretty sad what this world’s coming to."
Pilar Newberry, whose daughter was in a tumbling class with Makenna, confirmed her death on Facebook hours later.
She wrote: "Sweet Makenna Rest in Paradise!! My heart is shattered as my daughter Chloe loved her so much!! I’ll never forget how excited she was to meet a new friend from a different school! Just a few weeks ago she got a friendship bracelet from her at the ballpark and she wears it everyday! When she wakes up tomorrow she’s going to be devastated. Praying so hard for her sweet family!!!!’"
Eliahana 'Elijah Cruz' Torres
Eliahana 'Elijah Cruz' Torres, 10, was identified as one of the victims by her grandfather. He said she did not want to attend school that day but was told she had to by her family. Adolfo Cruz, a 69-year-old air conditioning repairman, waited outside of the school for hours before learning of his great granddaughter's death. The rest of her family were waiting at the hospital and civic centre for news.
Ellie Lugo
The 10-year-old was confirmed dead by her parents Steven Garcia and Jennifer Lugo after she was missing for several hours.
"It’s hard to issue out a statement on anything right now my mind is going at 1000 miles per hour… but I do wanna send our thoughts and prayers to those who also didn’t make it home tonight!!! Our Ellie was a doll and was the happiest ever," Steven wrote on Facebook. "Mom and Dad love you never forget that and please try and stay by our side."
Imra Garza
The 46-year-old teacher, who had four children, has spent 23 years teaching and had been nominated as a teacher of the year by the Uvalde Independent School District in 2019.
Sharing news of her death on Facebook, a nephew called John said: "My tia did not make it, she sacrificed herself protecting the kids in her classroom, i beg of you to keep my family including all of her family in y’all’s prayers , IRMA GARCIA IS HER NAME and she died a HERO. she was loved by many and will truly be missed."
Eva Mireles
The 44-year-old teacher's family say she was also trying to protect the children in her 4th grade class.
Her aunt Lydia Martinez Delgado told the New York Times she had died while attempting to protect her students. She described Mrs Mireles as “very loved” and the “fun of the party”.
